International Buccaneer Buddy (IBB) program
IBB is a program to help new international students adjust positively to life here at ETSU, and to promote
friendship and international understanding. Students who apply to IBB will be paired with a volunteer
student buddy who will assist you in adjusting to your new life here at ETSU. That person will help you in
your first month here. You will also be placed in one of several small groups of around 25-30 students that
include both American student volunteers and other international students from around the world. The
groups will participate in trips and activities throughout the year. All groups have a group coordinators. At
times, all the groups will participate together in a large group trip or activity.
The benefits of applying for IBB are:
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having American students to show you around campus and help answer questions about campus
life and American culture
the opportunity to engage in interesting trips and activities
being able to make new friends from around the world
you will more quickly adapt to the life and culture here and have a richer experience of life in the
USA
The expectations for members of IBB groups are:
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Be warm, accepting, and respectful of all the students in your group, regardless of any differences
in race, social class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or political and social views
There are limited openings for the program so the earlier you apply the better the chance of being placed in
a group. The deadline for applying for the Fall semester is August 10. Following the applications below
you can read what recent international students said about their experience with IBB.
Application for International Buccaneer Buddy (IBB) Program
To apply, fill out information below and email to: IFP-IBB@etsu.edu
Today’s Date: _________________
Last Name (Family name):
First Name (First name):
Country you are from:
Name of university you attend in your country:
Email address: ______________________@goldmail.etsu.edu
Age:
Gender: ___male
___female
Marital Status: ___ single ___married
Phone Number: _______________________
ETSU major:
E# (ETSU student number)______________
I will be a: ___ undergraduate student ___ graduate student
I will arrive in Johnson City, TN, on: ____________________
I will be staying: ___ on campus in ______________ residence hall
___ off campus at:
I will be at ETSU for: ___ one semester ___ one year ___ 2 years ___ over 2 years
What interests do you have, and what activities do you enjoy?
___Outdoor activities ___political and social issues ___sports
___Shopping
___Religious activities ___going to restaurants, bars ___traveling ___music
Other (please specify):
Recent International Students Experience with IBB:
Rachel Kamnkhwani: Malawi
Moving to another country was a huge step for me and I was very anxious about how I
was going to survive without my family and friends. The thought of living in a different
environment where I was going to be the only one from my nationality was scary.
However, I was so happy when I read an email about the IBB program and how it helps
international students to settle down and make friends quickly. I applied for IBB instantly and the
wonderful thing about it is that I got a quick response. I started communicating with my American Buddy,
LeeAnn, before I even left my country. This lady is so amazing! My experience with my IBB group has also
been wonderful. I have had an opportunity to hang out with the whole group a couple of times. It was
great! IBB gave me an opportunity to learn and appreciate other people’s culture. Through IBB I have met
friends that I can always count on. I personally have had a great experience with IBB and I would
recommend the program to international students who are hoping to join ETSU.
Naomi Sugahara: Japan
Throughout my entire campus life at ETSU, I have had a great time with my buddy and
my International Buccaneer Buddy (IBB) friends! I had no idea what to do or how to
live in such a completely different world. However, my buddy helped me a lot so I
could adjust to this new culture. He and his friend, for example, brought me to the
mall. Thanks to them, I was able to get prepared for the first semester in the U.S. and
enjoy hanging out together. We also shared some amazing moments by attending the
IBB group activities such as a picnic and BBQ! IBB is the most amazing and fantastic
group ever! Not only did we have the time of our lives, both in large and small group activities, but we
spent many days going to the World Café and traveling with IBB friends during the break. I especially loved
the Halloween season because there were many fun events such as Corn Mazes and costume parties.
Overall, meeting international students from around the world through the IBB program motivated me to
learn more about cultures of other countries. I will continue to seek out other cultures, and I will share my
multicultural experiences when I become a teacher in Japan.
Reem Tariq: India
I was first introduced to the IBB program at the orientation. I didn't hesitate to fill out
the form since it sounded like a great opportunity to meet more people. So far, my
experience with IBB has been amazing. I was matched with my buddy, Aleigha, based
on my outdoorsy inclinations. What started out as a partnership soon blossomed into
friendship. I had the chance to meet Aleigha's wonderful family over Thanksgiving. In
fact, I have met so many amazing people from all over the world through IBB. And I
am incredibly grateful to Dr. Morrow and his team who work so hard to keep things
running in this organization! IBB has become a significant part of my ETSU experience - one that I will
cherish for years to come!
Mutong Yang: China
After I saw the International Buccaneer Buddy Program through an e-mail, I applied for
it without hesitation. And I am so glad that I made this decision which gave me an
opportunity to meet my buddy Christa. We introduced ourselves thoroughly via emails. What surprised me is that she can speak and understand Chinese, which made
our conversation go more smoothly. When I first arrived ETSU, I felt a little bit
depressed because of the culture shock. But Christa made me relieved, at least I got
one American friend to talk with. Before the semester started, she drove me to
Walmart, helped me select things, and gave me lots of useful advice. The time with her was all great and
interesting! We’ve been to the mall, went hiking together, and had Chinese and Japanese food together. I
send her messages when I’m in trouble and need some help and she’s always there to help. I don’t feel
anxious or embarrassed while talking with her, even if I use the wrong grammar. She can still understand
what I’m saying when I can’t express a word, and she will teach me how to say that word. By talking with
her and sending messages to her, my English skills have improved a lot. I really appreciate that the IBB
Program gave me the opportunity to know Christa, my first American friend. I think this program not only
helped me gain a friendship, but also improved my English skills and let me know more about different
cultures!
Hyacinthe Umwali: Rwanda
When I got admitted to ETSU, I had mixed feelings; obviously I was super excited about
the great program I was about to join; but I was also nervous about meeting new
people and living in a city where I didn’t have any friends. Before I completely moved to
Johnson City, I came for my Graduate assistantship interview; I was travelling from Little
Rock Arkansas, and I got even more nervous because it seemed like it is in the middle of
nowhere, far from all my friends. I first got acquainted with IBB when I got an email
from my buccaneer buddy named Stephanie Bates. She introduced herself and told me
that I should call her in case I need anything. She sounded friendly, and I was so glad that I had somebody
to call in case I needed something. We met at the first IBB event at the CPA, and we got to talk a little bit
and we have hung out on multiple occasions afterwards. She helped me feel welcome not only at ETSU but
also in Johnson City in general. Now I like Johnson City, it is a small beautiful city; I mostly like the outdoor
options like hiking when the weather is permitting, and visiting places such as Jonesborough- a historic city.
I am very grateful to the IBB program because it made it possible for me to meet as caring of an individual
as Stephanie, and I would like to pay it forward to other students as much as I can.
Fuki Azuma: Japan
I will never forget the moment that my host family and my buddy picked me up at the
airport. I didn’t know anything about Johnson City, but they showed me around and
helped me with my first shopping in America. New students have a lot of required
processes to be an ETSU student. It was difficult, but they helped me. Without their help,
I might not have been able to come. I think most international students worry about
making friends in America. I was concerned about it, but my buddy has been great! She
is my first American friend and takes me to good places. We spend a lot of time and
make good memories together. Sometimes she introduces me her other friends, so I now am friends with a
lot of my buddy’s friends! IBB is one of the great opportunities to make good friends. I really appreciate this
program and the chance it has given me to meet my sweet buddy!